Candidate to be Lincolnshire Deputy PCC to face hearing this Friday

A decision on whether Lincolnshire is to have its first Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is expected on Friday.

Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel members are due to question new PCC Marc Jones and his choice as deputy, Conservative county councillor Stuart Tweedale, at a confirmation hearing in Louth.

As reported in our sister newspaper, the Spalding Guardian, on Thursday, Mr Jones nominated Coun Tweedale as Deputy PCC after speaking to “many people about the role” over recent months.

In a statement to the panel, Mr Jones said: “Almost without exception, PCCs who were in office from 2012 fell into one of two camps when it came to the matter of a Deputy.

“They largely regretted not appointing one or were totally convinced that they had made the right decision in appointing one.

“There are a vast array of duties that often clash, leading to many important meetings and briefings being delayed or, in some cases, not happening at all.

Almost without exception, PCCs who were in office from 2012 fell into one of two camps when it came to the matter of a Deputy - largely regretting not appointing one or totally convinced that they had made the right decision in appointing one

Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones

“The role is growing too as the Government has made clear its intention to enhance the PCC’s remit further and the size of the task is

very clearly underestimated by a great many people.”

Coun Tweedale has represented Ruskington and Cranwell at Lincolnshire County Council since 2013 having previously served on North Kesteven District Council for nine years.

He was vice chairman of the Bourne Town Hall Management Committee, set up in February 2015 to decide on its future as a building to be managed by a charitable trust.

Mr Jones said: “I have chosen Stuart because I know of his skills, temperament and commitment to deliver to the highest standard.”